Middle school softball season begins at Gillespie Showcase
Members of the Gillespie and Triad middle school softball teams come together in sportsmanship after playing a memorable championship game at the annual season-opening showcase in Gillespie. The Indians and Knights battled to the wire and were locked in a scoreless tie up until the top of the final inning, when state-ranked Triad scored three runs to win. The Indians, who previously defeated North Mac, 21-0 and Highland, 2-0, gained a ton of respect from so many, especially their foes from Triad, and will have high expectations for this year’s campaign. Photo contributed.
By: JACKSON WILSON
Enquirer Democrat Reporter
The stands were filled, the pavilion was open and the hot dogs were warm throughout the past weekend as local middle school softball squads came together to do battle in an annual eight-team showcase at Ben-Gil Elementary School in Gillespie.
The host Indians opened many eyes in terms of having high expectations as they made a run to the championship game and battled a state-ranked Triad powerhouse to the end despite falling short and settling for second place. GMS hit the ground running with a 21-0 three-inning stomping of North Mac, then came out on top against Highland in a 2-0 pitcher’s duel. Gillespie outhit Triad, 7-6, in the title game, but couldn’t get on the scoreboard despite another valiant defensive and pitching effort. The Indians kept the game knotted in a scoreless draw up until the top of the seventh and final frame, but the victorious Knights clutched up down the stretch to secure a 3-0 win.
Carlinville and North Mac also represented Macoupin County in the tournament, but both teams got off to a shaky start prior to meeting up in the seventh place game. After getting pounded by Gillespie, North Mac suffered a similar fate against Calhoun, 15-0. The Panthers, however, turned the tides with a 9-7 victory over the Cavaliers. Carlinville also lost to Jerseyville, 7-3, and Wood River, 8-5.
In other action, Highland dominated Jerseyville, 11-0, for third place and Calhoun won the fifth place over Wood River, 5-1.
Read full article in August 14, 2025 issue of the Macoupin County Enquirer Democrat.
